Analysis of OECD data reveals that, contrary to a "brain drain" narrative, British emigration rose before Brexit as citizens used their last chance for free movement. After 2021, outflows experienced a "cliff edge" drop, demonstrating that Brexit had a restrictive, rather than motivating, effect on Britons leaving the country.

The primary force preventing a collapse of the Iranian regime isn't its own strength, but fear among its neighbors. Countries like Turkey and Pakistan worry a collapse would lead to a massive refugee crisis and empower separatist movements on their borders, creating a strong regional bias for stability.

America is not just a nation of immigrants but of emigrants—people who made the bold choice to leave behind collapsing societies. The Irish fled famine, Germans fled revolution, and Chinese, Vietnamese, and Iranians fled communism and turmoil. This history of leaving failing states is a core part of the American identity, not a betrayal of one's homeland.

Labor migration isn't just a rich-country issue. Many nations in the Global South, including in the Caribbean, South America, and Africa, face their own workforce shortages. This creates opportunities for regional, South-South migration policies that could boost local economies without involving Europe or the US.

Billions spent on border security hardware are a less effective use of funds than foreign aid. The same resources invested in stabilizing migrant populations in the first countries they flee to—supporting local healthcare, jobs, and schools—could prevent onward migration to the West for a fraction of the cost.

The global migration framework, designed after WWII, only protects those fleeing persecution. It offers no legal status for people displaced by climate disasters or economic collapse, forcing them into a broken asylum system that wasn't built for their circumstances, ultimately fueling political backlash.

Many temporary workers would prefer to return home between jobs but remain in a host country illegally because they fear the high cost and danger of re-entering for the next work season. Creating safe, legal, and reliable re-entry pathways could significantly reduce irregular overstays.

The ability for Venezuelans to flee crises has diminished. Neighboring countries are less welcoming and the remaining population is often too impoverished to emigrate. This removes a key pressure release valve, intensifying future domestic instability.

Immigration policy must account for economic incentives. Unlike in the past, modern welfare states make immigration an economically rational choice for survival, not just opportunity. This shifts the dynamic, attracting individuals based on benefits rather than a desire to contribute without a safety net.